Brenda Combs is an Ojibway (Anishinabek) from Batchewana First Nation Rankin Reserve 15D in Northern Ontario. Brenda has two university degrees and has almost competed her Masters. Her degrees are Behavior Management Specialist from the University of Toronto - -72 and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lake Superior State University - 95 , Michigan with minors in Native Studies and Accounting. She is one class away from receiving her Masters in Organizational Psychology from Central Michigan University in Michigan. Brenda also graduated from Sault College of Applied Arts - as a Developmental Social Worker -67 . Brenda is also a certified Employee Assistance Program Specialist -International which she received in 1998.
Brenda has been the Executive Director of Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter, an Aboriginal shelter situated in her community since its inception in 2000 and continues to work with the same staff. Brenda has worked with the developmentally challenged for over 15 years in Canada and the United States and continues to do respite work in the field. Brenda also worked with the Miami Indians of Kentucy and Ohio and Appalachian populations in education. She worked as an Employee Assistance Program Specialist and Cultural Sensitivity facilitator for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan more than 5 years. Brenda became involved in the National Circle in formation and incorporation in 2002.
Brenda is actively involved with the Domestic Violence Advisory Council for the Algoma District proclaimed on November 15, 2004 by the City of Sault Ste. Marie City Council to provide education training on Domestic Violence to employers, schools, employers, etc.
The Domestic Violence Court Advisory Council - this council provides information and direction to the Domestic Violence Court Crown Attorneys. The Children’s Aid Advisory Council to set up protocols with Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit organizations with regards to the apprehension and placement of Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit children in the Algoma District. Brenda has facilitated several conferences in the Algoma District on Domestic Violence with outside agencies and police.
Brenda is married for more than twenty years and a mother of one teenage son and daughter and a grandmother of one. She believes that her traditional teachings and cultural background has made it possible to be able to balance family and work.